"He did not leave the area and play in Auckland to make a name for himself, and going to Waikato University was a big move for him because it meant he made it into the Midlands team,’’ Roy said.

An advisor for Midlands and ex-New Zealand hockey coach Kevin Towns led him to be selected into the national team.

Roy and Lois said the highlight of their son’s sporting career so far came when he first ran out on to the field against Pakistan in 2000.

"I remember that there were other supporters there and because it was the first game for Blair the group started yelling out for him," Lois said. "Also when he walked out for New Zealand with the flag in front of them."

For Roy it’s a thing of pride.

"I think that nothing changes it, if you read his name in the paper or see him live or on TV, it’s a sense of pride I guess in terms of everything that he has achieved,’’ Roy said.

"It’s like when a little girl gets up and sings on stage, it does not matter if she’s out of tune.

"He has been New Zealand player of the year in the past but in my view he is every year."